PREP: Connecting Students to Nature and History in the North Fork Poudre

Students gain hands-on experience, like capturing and identifying river bugs, all while enjoying the outdoors. (Photo credit: Cory Dick)

by Anna Cloud, Riverscapes Program Manager, Larimer Conservation District

In 2001, a place-based education program called Poudre River Education Program (PREP) was established in the watershed with the three Mountain Schools. PREP was piloted at Livermore Elementary School and then expanded to Stove Prairie and Red Feather Lakes schools. Program partners included The Nature Conservancy, the City of Fort Collins Utilities, North Poudre Irrigation Company, Poudre R-1 School District and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The goal of PREP is to give students in the North Fork of the Poudre the opportunity to explore and learn outdoors - on both public and private lands - about the region’s natural and human history. In 2006, City of Fort Collins Water Utilities hired a permanent part-time staff person to lead PREP and fully establish it in the three mountain school’s curriculum. PREP continues today with the support of teachers, community volunteers, conservation organizations, and parents at the Livermore and Red Feather Lakes schools.

The N. Fork Poudre Site Conservation Team has become involved in PREP over the past several years by supporting field learning days and contributing to fun, educational activities for the students.  This year, SCT members helped with field days on April 22nd and May 20th, and supported activities related to water quality, aquatic insects (dance to the Mayfly Mamba anyone!?), weather, riparian zones, and the impact that beavers have on our rivers.  We are so pleased to partner with our Mountain School teachers to make this happen! 

“PREP is an exceptional partnership in enriching our students' education. Its hands-on outdoor field experiences offer unique learning opportunities that can't be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. Not only are students engaging with science and nature, they are becoming leaders and understanding the impact they have on their environment. These activities deepen students' understanding of scientific concepts and also inspire curiosity, teamwork, and connections to the natural world. I am so grateful for the positive difference PREP continues to make in our students’ lives.” - Kristy Zimich, Livemore Elementary School teacher